Awesome Squad

Chapter 2

Chris’ eyes widened, Forta stared and Ray went off. 

“You can’t leave!  We need you on the team!  I-“

“Ray, relax.  I won’t be gone for long.  Besides if I don’t learn to control this energy, it could kill me.  Not to mention all of you.” Aria said holding up a hand to silence him.

Ray roared and stormed out of the room.  Chris whistled.  “Someone’s upset.”  “A, you should probably go and talk to him.” Forta said.  She nodded and headed to his room.  She knocked and said “Ray?  It’s me.  Can I come in?”  Ray growled.  “Okay I’m coming in.” she said and opened the door.  She sat down on his bed as the door slid shut and Ray paced the room.  “Ray your wolf ears are showing.” she said. 

“I don’t care.”

“Why are you so upset anyway?” Aria asked.

He growled a low threatening growl.  “I know you did not just growl threateningly at me.” She said.  “And what if I did?!” he snapped.  Aria sat back, eyes wide.  Ray’s wolf ears went back like a puppy’s who just got yelled at does.  “I’m sorry… It’s just…”  “Just what?” Aria asked standing up to face him.  He stood a head taller than her and looked down into her eyes.  “It’s just the thought of losing you…” he replied.  Aria sighed and hugged him, her head lying just under his chin on his chest.  “I know this may be hard for you but I swear this won’t be as long as you think.  The time on my home world is different from this world.  I might be gone for a week, maybe even less.  I promise I will make it up to you when I get back.”  she said.  He sighed into her hair and pulled her closer to him.  “Be careful.  I… never mind.” he replied.

Aria packed her bags and checked her list on more time.  “I think I’ve got everything…” There was a knock on her door.  “Come in.” she said.  Forta and Chris walked in.  “We came to invite you to your party.” Forta said.  “It’ll be lots of fun.  We have all kinds of stuff planned.” Chris replied.  “Why would I have a party?  I won’t be gone that long.  I was on my trip to Flabnen longer than I will be on this trip.” she answered.  “Well… think of it as your… energy shift birthday.” Forta said.  “Alright, alright.  I’ll be down in just a second.” she said, puffing her cheeks.

They laughed and cheered as they ate their cake and played their games.  Meanwhile, peeking in through a window was a young man with bright orange hair.  “They girl is preparing to leave, master.” he whispered to his communicator.  There was a rather static laughing on the other end.  “Good,” said the other man.  “soon our time will come. Very soon indeed.”

The very next day, Aria had her suitcase and was waiting for her ride.  “Who’s picking you up again?” Ray asked look around skeptically. “It’s one of the ancient guards who keeps an eye on things like this, waiting for people like me to shift.  I think he said his name was Wike.” Aria replied, gazing up at the sky.  “Ah, here he is.”  A large purple ship, literally a ship, drifted gently down to the ground.  A platform came down, ending just before Aria’s feet.  “Oy, psychic, are you ready?” shouted Wike from the top.  “Yes, sir, be right there.”  She replied.  She turned to each of the guys giving them a hug and a peck on the cheek.  Then she looked at them all and said “There are instructions on the table.  I expect you to follow them.  I do not want to return home and find this place a mess.  Take care of yourselves.”  She walked up the platform and it contracted back on itself.  Aria waved from the side as the ship floated away, up into the bright blue sky.

“There goes the girl who takes care of us.” Forta said.

“The only one who knows how to do anything.” Chris replied.

“There goes the girl of my dreams.” Ray said.

“And here comes your worst nightmare.” Agamemnon said swinging his sword at Ray’s head.